Groundwater Protection

Oil Drilling Near Water Wells Requires a Groundwater Protection Review

Before drilling an oil or gas well in Ector County, operators may need a groundwater protection review to show they won't harm local water sources.

Ector County Home & Property

Fresh groundwater is limited in West Texas. When oil companies want to drill in Ector County, the Railroad Commission may require a Groundwater Protection Determination. This is done using Form GW-2. The review finds out how deep usable water is. It also sets rules to protect that water.

One key protection is surface casing. That is a steel pipe that lines the top part of the well. It helps keep oil and gas away from water layers. If you own land or a water well near active drilling, you can look up permit applications. Check groundwater protection filings through the RRC's Groundwater Advisory Unit online.

Source to confirm: Railroad Commission of Texas – Groundwater Advisory Unit

More Ector County notes

Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Your Property Tax in Ector County

The appraisal district sets your property value; the tax assessor-collector handles payments — they are two separate offices.

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Homestead Exemption

Homestead Exemption Cuts Your School Tax Bill

Texas law gives homeowners a $140,000 exemption from the school district portion of their property tax if the home is their primary residence.

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Senior & Disabled Exemption

Extra Tax Break for Homeowners 65 or Older

Homeowners who are 65 or older or who are disabled get an additional $60,000 school district exemption and may qualify for a tax freeze.

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Ag Valuation

Agricultural Land Can Be Taxed on Productivity, Not Market Value

Landowners who use their Ector County property for farming or ranching can apply to have it taxed on what it produces, not what it would sell for.

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